Panel for audible monitoring of electrical components and the detection of electrical faults

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable an electrical component within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet to be audibly monitored via an electrical fault detection device mounted on the housing of the cabinet. The electrical fault detection device may comprise a senor to detect a signal emitted from an electrical fault within the cabinet, a transducer to convert the detected signal into an electrical audio signal, and an output socket adapted for an external device that may generate an audible sound based on the detected signal. The detected sensor may be an ultrasound sensor and the detected signal may be an ultrasound emitted from the electrical fault.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/228,630, filed Apr. 12, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/607,651, filed Oct. 23, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.10,983,156, which is a § 371 U.S. National Stage Application ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2018/029050, filed Apr. 24, 2018,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/489,874,filed Apr. 25, 2017, all of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of cabinets forelectrical distribution equipment.

BACKGROUND

Technology for cabinet-based power systems have been described in thefollowing U.S. patents and publications: U.S. Pat. No. 1,642,698; No.2014/0144858; U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,353; No. 2014/0160686; U.S. Pat. Nos.3,404,316; 6,547,348; and, 8,052,231. Technology for ultrasound sensors,partial discharge detectors, related-circuitry and headphones for thegeneration of audible sounds in response to the ultrasonic signals havebeen described in the U.S. patents and publications: U.S. Pat. No.5,432,755; No. 2005/0285604; and, No. 2009/0302862. One drawback withcertain implementations of monitoring electrical components is thelimited accessibility of components' electrical connections within acabinet. Certain power distribution systems may not be readily monitoreddue to safety concerns in light of the high voltage of the power sourcebecause only competent technicians with specialized training may bepermitted to physically access electrical equipment within powercabinets. Due to the location of electrical connections within ahousing, a proper inspection may not be possible via inspection windowsthat are not directly adjacent to targeted components. For example, aninfrared camera may not be able to capture accurate temperaturemeasurements if the line of sight for a component/connection isobstructed by other electrical or structural components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, includingwithout limitation a device and a method for the monitoring ofelectrical components located within an electrical distributionequipment cabinet based on the detection of ultrasounds and electricalimpulses emitted from an electrical fault. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure may enable, among other things, the monitoring of electricalcomponents in cabinets without opening and viewing entire racks orcabinets via an electrical fault detection device used to identify earlywarning signs of equipment insulation failure.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a sensor that ismounted on an interior side of a housing for the electrical distributionequipment cabinet. The housing may enclose the electrical componentslocated within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The sensormay detect a signal emitted from an electrical fault within theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet. In addition, an output socketmay be mounted on the housing for the electrical distribution equipmentcabinet. The output socket may be operably connected to the sensor. Theoutput socket may have a front side that defines an opening, which maybe mounted on an exterior side of the housing. The opening of the outputsocket may receive a cable plug for a cable connected to an externaldevice.

The external device may generate an audible sound based on the detectedsignal. Accordingly, the electrical fault may be audibly monitored by anuser of the external device. The electrical fault may comprise a corona,an arcing, a surface tracking and/or a partial discharge of theelectrical components. In an embodiment, the sensor may be an ultrasoundsensor and the detected signal may be an ultrasound emitted from theelectrical fault. The sensor may be a partial discharge detector and thedetected signal may be a pulse change or electrical impulse emitted fromthe electrical fault, in accordance with some embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the sensor of the present disclosure maycomprise a transducer that may convert the detected signal to anelectrical audio signal. In an embodiment, the transducer may beconnected to the sensor via electrical wires. The transducer may beconnected to the output socket via electrical wires. The transducer maytransmit the electrical audio signal to the output socket. In someembodiments, the sensor may transmit the detected signal to the outputsocket, and the external device may convert the transmitted signal to anelectrical audio signal.

The external device may be a headphone, a headset, or a speaker. Incertain embodiments, the external device may connect to an audio device.Accordingly, the audible sound may be generated by the audio devicebased on the detected signal. In some embodiments, the external devicemay comprise a screen monitor. The external device may generate a visualrepresentation on the screen monitor based on the detected signal. As aresult, the electrical fault may be visually monitored by the user ofthe external device. The visual representation may comprise partialdischarge readings, voltage readings, electrical current readings, soundlevel readings, and/or sinusoidal wave representations.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may include a panel mountedon the housing for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet via aretaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism may secure the panel to theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet, and may comprise screws andnuts in accordance with certain embodiments. The housing of cabinet maydefine an opening in the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. Thepanel may be mounted over the opening. The sensor may be mounted on afirst side of the panel. In an embodiment, the opening on the front sideof the output socket mounted on a second side of the panel. The firstside of the mounted panel may be positioned on the interior side of thecabinet, and the second side of the mounted panel may be positioned onthe exterior side of the cabinet.

In an embodiment, the panel may be transparent to radiation emitted fromthe electrical components. The radiation may comprise infrared radiationand/or ultraviolet radiation. The external device may detect the emittedradiation. The external device may comprise a screen monitor andgenerate a visual representation on the screen monitor based on thedetected radiation. The visual representation may comprise a thermogram.Accordingly, the electrical fault may be visually monitored by an userof the external device.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for the audiblemonitoring of electrical components located within an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet may comprise the step of detecting, via asensor, a signal emitted from an electrical fault within the cabinet.The sensor may be mounted on an interior side of a housing for thecabinet. The housing may enclose the electrical components locatedwithin the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The method mayfurther comprise the steps of converting, via a transducer, the detectedsignal into an electrical audio signal and transmitting, via an outputsocket, the electrical audible signal to an external device. A frontside of the output socket may define an opening mounted on an exteriorside of the housing for the cabinet. In an embodiment, the opening onthe front side of the output socket mounted on a panel of the cabinet.The output socket may be operably connected to the sensor. The openingof the output socket may receive a cable plug for a cable connected tothe external device. In addition, the method may comprise the step ofgenerating, via the external device, an audible sound based on thedetected signal. Accordingly, the electrical fault may be audiblymonitored by an user of the external device.

Further, the method may comprise the step of generating, via theexternal device, a visual representation based on the detected signal.The external device may comprise a screen monitor, and may generate thevisual representation on the screen monitor. As a result, the electricalfault may be visually monitored by the user of the external device. Insome embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of detectingradiation emitted from the electrical components through the panel bythe external device. The external device may comprise a screen monitorand generate a visual representation on the screen monitor based on thedetected radiation. The visual representation may comprise a thermogram.Accordingly, the electrical fault may be visually monitored by an userof the external device.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sensor may be mountedon an interior side of a housing for the electrical distributionequipment cabinet. The housing may enclose the electrical componentslocated within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The sensormay detect a signal emitted from an electrical fault within theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet. The sensor may comprise atransducer that may convert the detected signal to an electrical audiosignal. In addition, an output connector may be mounted on the interiorside of the housing for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet.The output connector may be operably connected to the transducer. Thetransducer may transmit the electrical audio signal to the outputconnector. The output connector may wirelessly transmit the electricalaudio signal to an external device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages forembodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from thefollowing more particular description of the embodiments as illustratedin the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the various views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective front view of anelectrical distribution equipment cabinet panel with an output socket ofan electrical fault detection device adapted to receive a cable plug ofan external device that is connected to an audio device, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet enclosing electrical components andhaving an opening adapted to receive a panel with an electrical faultdetection device, in accordance with certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a panel with an outputsocket of an electrical fault detection mounted on an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet via a retaining mechanism, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a perspective front view of anelectrical distribution equipment cabinet panel with an output socket ofan electrical fault detection device, in accordance with certainembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a rear view of an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet panel with a sensor of an electricalfault detection device, in accordance with certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of anelectrical distribution equipment cabinet panel with a sensor and anoutput socket of an electrical fault detection device, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a side view of an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet panel with a sensor and an output socketof an electrical fault detection device, in accordance with certainembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet panel with a lid in a closed positionover an electrical fault detection device, in accordance with certainembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a perspective front view of anelectrical distribution equipment cabinet panel with an external deviceplugged into an output socket of an electrical fault detection deviceand connected to an audio device, in accordance with certain embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an output socket of anelectrical fault detection mounted on an electrical distributionequipment cabinet adjacent to a panel, in accordance with certainembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a side view of an output socket of anelectrical fault detection mounted on an electrical distributionequipment cabinet adjacent to a panel with a sensor, in accordance withcertain embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable electrical componentsand connections to be audibly monitored within an enclosure via anelectrical fault detection device. A benefit of the present disclosuremay include the detection of early warning signs of equipment failure.Another benefit may include electrical fault detection in order toconduct energy conservation audits. A further benefit may include thequick, safe and inexpensive inspection of electrical components andconnections by personnel with minimal training. In addition, a benefitof the present disclosure may include the fast and accurate diagnosis ofthe partial discharge of electrical components and connections withinelectrical distribution equipment cabinets.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an electrical fault detection device1 that enables that audible detection of an electrical fault within theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet based on ultrasounds andelectrical impulses emitted from the electrical fault. As shown in FIG.2 , electrical components 2 may be enclosed within an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet 3. The electrical fault detection device1 may be adapted to permit the audible monitoring of the electricalcomponents 2 located within the electrical distribution equipmentcabinet 3. The electrical components 2 may comprise electricalequipment, such as switchgear, switchboards, transformers, motorcontrols, and any electrical equipment mounted on panel boards of thecabinet 3. As shown in FIG. 3 , the electrical fault detection device 1may comprise a panel 13 mounted on the housing 5 for the electricaldistribution equipment cabinet 3. The housing 5 may enclose theelectrical components 2 that are located within the electricaldistribution equipment cabinet 3.

The electrical fault detection device 1 may comprise a sensor/detector 4(such as an ultrasound sensor) that may be mounted on the panel 13 inorder to be positioned on the interior side of the housing 5 for theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet 3, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-6. In an embodiment, the sensor 4 may be mounted on the housing 5 for theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet 3 adjacent to the panel 13.The sensor 4 may be adapted to detect ultrasounds emitted from anelectrical fault caused by a corona, arcing, surface tracking or partialdischarge of an electrical component 2. The ultrasound signal may varydepending on the type of electrical fault (whether corona, arcing,surface tracking or partial discharge). The sensor 4 may also be adaptedto detect voltage pulse changes or electrical impulses emitted from theelectrical fault, including changes in electrical voltage and/orcurrent. In such an embodiment, very high frequency (VHF) signals (e.g.within the frequency range of 156.0 and 174 MHz) resulting from anelectrical fault may be detected by a sensor 4 via electric-fieldcoupling or capacitive coupling. In certain embodiments where theelectrical fault may be detected by a sensor 4 utilizing a VHFcapacitive coupler, the detected signal may vary depending on the typeof electrical fault. An electrical fault may be a partial discharge, anelectric arc discharge, surface discharge and/or a corona discharge. Incertain embodiments, the sensor 4 may detect transient earth voltage(TEV) signals generated by an internal partial discharge, as well as anyother airborne emissions such as ultrasounds. Such a sensor 4 may becapable of detecting ultrasound frequencies and VHF, in accordance withsome embodiments. The electrical fault detection device 1 may furthercomprise a converter 6 (such as amicrocontroller/transducer/transmitter) that is connected to thedetector or sensor 4. The converter or transducer 6 may be adapted toconvert the detected ultrasound signals, and/or electrical impulsesignals, into electrical audio signals and/or information/readingsrelating to the detected signals. In an embodiment, an electrical audiosignal may correspond the detected signal and may be capable ofgenerating a distinct audible sound that can be perceived by human earsso that an user may determine whether the detected signal resulted froma corona, arcing, surface tracking or partial discharge of an electricalcomponent 2. In some embodiments, the transducer 6 and the sensor 4 maycomprise a single unit or component.

An electrical fault detection device 1 may comprise an output socket orconnector 7 (such as a headphone socket) mounted on the panel 13 inorder to be positioned on the exterior side of the housing 5 for theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet 3, as shown in FIGS. 3-4 . Inan embodiment, the socket 7 may be mounted on the housing 5 for theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet 3 adjacent to the panel 13. Asfurther illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11 , the output socket 7 may beconnected via electrical wires to the transducer 6 and may receive theelectrical audio signals from the transducer 6. The output socket 7 maybe connected directly to the sensor 4 via electrical wires or cables andmay receive the detected signals (such as ultrasounds, electromagneticpulses, electrical impulses, VHF signals and TEV signals) from thesensor 4, in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, thesensor 4 may detect such signals using capacitive coupled transducers 6.In some embodiments, the sensor 4 may comprise a transducer 6 capable ofdetecting both ultrasounds and TEV signals.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the output socket 7 may be adapted to receivea cable plug or jack 8 (such a 3.5 mm female jack) of an electricalcable/wire 9 connected to an external device 10. In accordance withcertain embodiments, the output socket 7 may be adapted to transmit theelectrical audio signals and/or the detected signals to the externaldevice 10 via the electrical cable/wire 9. The external device 10 may beadapted to generate an audible sound based on the electrical audiosignals. In some embodiments, the external device 10 may comprise aheadphone, a headset, or a speaker. In certain embodiments, the externaldevice 10 may be adapted to connect to an audio device 11 capable ofgenerating an audible sound. As shown in FIG. 9 , the external device 10may comprise a headphone jack socket 18 for the audio device 11 (e.g.headphones). The audio device 11 may be capable of generating an audiblesound based on the detected signals. In certain embodiments, ultrasoundsand/or partial discharges of an electrical component 2 may be audiblyperceived and monitored by an user of the external device 10.Accordingly, the user may identify the existence of an electrical faultwithout having a direct line of sight to the electrical component 2having the partial discharge. In an embodiment, the output connector 7may comprise a wireless transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting(e.g. via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology) the detected signals and/or theelectrical audio signals to an external device 10 that is adapted towirelessly receive such signals.

In some embodiments, the external device 10 may comprise a device thatis capable of analyzing ultrasounds and/or pulse discharges detected bya sensor. The external device 10 may analyze information and datarelating from the detected signals, in accordance with certainembodiments. The external device 10 may collect and track suchinformation/data. In some embodiments, the information/data may betransmitted to a computer or server for a further analysis. The externaldevice 10 may comprise an electrical cable or wire having a cableplug/jack adapted to be plugged into the output socket 7 that may beconnected to the sensor 4. In an embodiment, the sensor 4 may detectelectrical signals, light wave signals and/or sound wave signals emittedfrom an electrical fault within the electrical distribution equipmentcabinet 3. In such an embodiment, the sensor 4 may comprise a transducer6 capable of detecting ultrasounds and TEV signals via capacitivecoupling technology. These signals, or electrical signals converted by atransducer 6 based on such detected signals, may be transmitted via theoutput socket 7 to the external device 10. In certain embodiments, thesensor 4 may comprise the transducer 6 that converts the detectedsignals into electrical audio signals. In an embodiment, the detectedsignals may be converted into electrical audio signals by the externaldevice 10.

The external device 10 may also comprise a screen monitor 12, as shownin FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, the external device 10 may convert thedetected signals and/or the electrical audio signals into visualexpressions that may be displayed on the screen monitor 12. The screenmonitor 12 may display information relating to the detected signals,including without limitation partial discharge readings, voltagereadings, electrical current readings, sound level readings (includingdecibel levels), and sinusoidal wave representations of the detectedsignals. Accordingly, an user of the external device 10 may monitor theelectrical components 2 located within the cabinet 3 for an electricalfault by viewing the screen monitor 12 and by listening to the audiodevice 11. In an embodiment, the external device 10 may operate inmultiple modes. In one mode, ultrasounds may be detected and the screenmonitor 12 may display a visual representation comprising sound levelreadings. In another mode, electrical impulses (e.g. TEV signals) may bedetected via capacitive coupling technology and the screen monitor 12may display a visual representation comprising voltage impulse readingsand/or sound level readings.

In an embodiment of a method for the audible monitoring of electricalcomponents 2 in an electrical distribution equipment cabinet 3, themethod may comprise the detection of signals (such as ultrasounds and/orelectrical impulses) emitted from a partial discharge of an electricalcomponent 2 located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. The detection may be performed by an ultrasound sensor 4. The sensoror detector 4 may be mounted on the interior side of a housing 5 for theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet 3. In certain embodiment,multiple sensors 4 may be mounted in order to monitor additional areaswithin the cabinet 3. The method may further comprise the conversion ofthe detected signals to electrical audio signals. The conversion may beperformed by a converter 6 such as a microcontroller, a transducer or atransmitter. A transducer 6 may be connected to the sensor 4. Inaddition, the method may comprise the transmission of the audiblesignals to an exterior device 9 via an output socket 7. The outputsocket 7 may be mounted on the exterior side of the housing 5 for theelectrical distribution equipment cabinet 3. The output socket 7 may beadapted to receive a cable plug/jack for a cable connected to theexternal device 10. Further, the method may comprise the generation ofan audible sound based on the detected signals. The sound production maybe performed by the external device 10. In some embodiments, thetransducer 6 and the sensor 4 may comprise a single unit or component.In certain embodiments, ultrasounds and partial discharges of anelectrical component 2 may be audibly perceived and monitored by an uservia the external device 10. Accordingly, the user of the presentlydisclosed method may identify the existence of an electrical fault, sucha partial discharge.

In an embodiment, an electrical fault detection device 1 may be locatedadjacent to the targeted area where the monitored electrical components2 are located within the cabinet 3. In an embodiment, the electricalfault detection device 1 may comprise a panel 13 for the housing 5 ofthe cabinet 3 that is interchangeable with filler or blanking panelslocated adjacent to the targeted area. The sensor 4, transducer 6 andoutput socket 7 may be mounted on the panel 13. In certain embodiments,a preexisting blanking panel may be altered or adapted to include anelectrical fault detection device 1. In an embodiment, a panel 13 forthe electrical fault detection device 1 may comprise a polymericmaterial that is transparent to infrared radiation (IR) and/orultraviolet (UV) radiation for the infrared, ultraviolet and/or visualinspection of the electrical components 2. In certain embodiments, thepanel 13 may comprise an array of holes or ports formed therethroughthat permit infrared inspection through the panel 13 from the outside ofthe housing 5 of the cabinet 3. In some embodiments, the external device10 may comprise a camera or detection thermographer (such as an infraredcamera) that is capable of imaging the radiation emitted from anelectrical component 2. As shown in FIG. 9 , the front end 19 of theexternal device 10 comprises the lens for such a thermographer. In anembodiment, the external device 10 may operate in a thermographer mode.Radiation that is emitted from an electrical component and through theIR/UV-permitting panel 13 may be detected via the external device 10,and the screen monitor 12 may display a visual representation comprisingtemperature measurements, a thermogram or an infrared image that showsthe patterns of heat.

A benefit of the present disclosure may include an improved inspectionof electrical components 2 within an electrical distribution equipmentcabinet 3 via the audible and visual detection of early warning signs ofequipment failure. Accordingly, an advantage of the present disclosuremay include an inspection of an electrical distribution equipmentcabinet 3, which is enclosed for safety concerns in light of the highvoltage of the power source, through an user's sight and hearing senses.In addition, the placement of the sensor 4 on the interior side of thecabinet 3 proves an improvement in the detection of signals emitted fromthe electrical components 2. Further, the configuration of an outputsocket or connector 7 connected to the sensor 4 and mounted on the panel13 improves the processing efficiency for the monitoring of electricalfaults.

In some embodiments, a retaining mechanism 14 that may be adapted tomount a panel 13 to the housing 5 for the electrical distributionequipment cabinet 3. As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 5 for the cabinet3 may define an opening 17 adapted to receive such a panel 13 having theelectrical fault detection device 1. In accordance with certainembodiments, a preexisting electrical distribution equipment cabinet 3may be modified to include an electrical fault detection device 1 bymounting such a panel 13 over an opening 17 in the housing 5 of acabinet 3. This provides the benefit of adding an electrical faultdetection device 1 without replacing the cabinet 3 or substantivelyaltering the structure of the cabinet 3. In some circumstances, it maynot be acceptable to power-off systems due to unwanted interruptions todownstream equipment. In addition, certain power distribution systemsmay not be readily altered due to safety concerns in light of the highvoltage of the power source. As shown in FIG. 8 , the electrical faultdetection device 1 may comprise a closure 15 (such as a door, plate orlid) for covering the output socket 7 when the electrical components 2are not actively being monitored. The closure 15 may be locked by alatch 16.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , in accordance with certain embodiments,the output socket 7 may be mounted on the housing 5 for an electricaldistribution equipment cabinet 3 adjacent to the IR/UV-permitting panel13. In some embodiment, the output socket 7 may be connected to thesensor 4 via a coaxial cable 20 adapted to transmit detected signalsand/or the electrical audio signals. In an embodiment, the coaxial cable20 may transmit electrical audio signals corresponding to the detectedultrasound signals and/or the electrical impulses (such as VHF signals)detected by a sensor 4 via electric-field coupling or capacitive. Insome embodiments, an advantage of the present disclosure may include themonitoring of electrical components 2 within an electrical distributionequipment cabinet 3 by detecting ultrasounds, electrical impulses and IRradiation emitted from an electrical fault. The detection of anultrasound, an electrical impulse and IR radiation may improve theidentification of the location of the electrical fault within thecabinet 3. In some embodiments, an advantage may include the positioningof the sensor 4 on the interior side of the cabinet 3 in order toimprove the detection of the signals emitted by an electrical fault.Accordingly, a benefit may further include an improvement in the qualityof the electrical audio signals and audible sounds that are generatedbased on such detected signals in order to enable an user to betterperceive a distinction between the types of electrical faults. In anembodiment, these improvements may benefit the detection of earlywarning signs of equipment failure through the identification of thelocation and type of an electrical fault.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure,particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is thereforecontemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications andincorporate features that come within the spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: positioning a panel on apower cabinet, the power cabinet comprising one or more electricalcomponents located within the power cabinet, the panel comprising: afirst side that faces into an interior of the power cabinet; a secondside that faces away from the interior of the power cabinet; a sensorpositioned on the first side of the panel, the sensor adapted to detecta signal emitted from an electrical fault within the power cabinet; andan output socket positioned on the second side of the panel, the outputsocket operably connected to the sensor, the output socket comprising anopening adapted to receive a cable plug for a cable connected to anexternal device; and securing the panel to the power cabinet via aretaining mechanism.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:detecting, via the sensor, the signal emitted from the electrical faultwithin the power cabinet; transmitting, via the output socket, thedetected signal to the external device; and generating an audible soundbased on the detected signal, whereby the electrical fault may beaudibly monitored by an user.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thesensor is an ultrasound sensor.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thesensor is a partial discharge detector.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the external device is selected from a group consisting of: aheadphone, a headset, and a speaker.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe external device is adapted to connect to an audio device, whereinthe audio device is selected from a group consisting of: a headphone, aheadset, and a speaker.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the panelcomprises an array of holes adapted for a visual inspection from outsideof the power cabinet of the electrical fault located within the powercabinet.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the panel to thepower cabinet via a retaining mechanism comprises securing the panel tothe power cabinet via screws and nuts.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinthe panel is transparent to radiation emitted from the one or moreelectrical components.
 10. An electrical fault detection device formonitoring electrical components located within a power cabinet,comprising: a panel mountable on the power cabinet via a retainingmechanism, wherein, when mounted on the power cabinet, the panelcomprises a first side that faces into an interior of the power cabinetand further comprises a second side that faces away from the interior ofthe power cabinet; a sensor positioned on the first side of the panel,the sensor adapted to detect a signal emitted from an electrical faultwithin the power cabinet; and an output socket positioned on the secondside of the panel, the output socket operably connected to the sensor,the output socket comprising an opening adapted to receive a cable plugfor a cable connected to an external device.
 11. The device of claim 10,wherein the sensor is adapted to transmit the detected signal to theoutput socket, the output socket adapted to transmit the detected signalto the external device via the cable, the external device adapted togenerate an audible sound based on the detected signal, whereby theelectrical fault may be audibly monitored by a user, and wherein theexternal device is selected from a group consisting of: a headphone, aheadset, and a speaker.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the externaldevice is adapted to connect to an audio device, the sensor adapted totransmit the detected signal to the output socket, the output socketadapted to transmit the detected signal to the external device via thecable, the external device further adapted to transmit the detectedsignal to the audio device, the audio device adapted to generate anaudible sound based on the detected signal, whereby the electrical faultmay be audibly monitored by an user, and wherein the audio device isselected from a group consisting of: a headphone, a headset, and aspeaker.
 13. The device of claim 10, wherein the external devicecomprises a screen monitor, the external device adapted to generate avisual representation on the screen monitor based on the detectedsignal, whereby the electrical fault may be visually monitored by anuser, and wherein the visual representation comprises informationselected from a group consisting of: partial discharge readings, voltagereadings, electrical current readings, sound level readings, andsinusoidal wave representations.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein theelectrical fault is selected from a group consisting of: corona, arcing,surface tracking and partial discharge of the electrical components. 15.The device of claim 10, wherein the sensor is an ultrasound sensor. 16.The device of claim 10, wherein the sensor is a partial dischargedetector.
 17. The device of claim 10, wherein the panel is transparentto radiation emitted from the electrical fault.
 18. The device of claim10, wherein the panel comprises an array of holes adapted for a visualinspection from outside of the power cabinet of the electrical faultlocated within the power cabinet.
 19. The device of claim 10, whereinthe retaining mechanism comprises screws and nuts.